STAFF FAREWELLS 

During yesterday's final full-school assembly for the year (a link to watch it is below) we farewelled staff who won’t be with us next year. We wished them well as they embark on new chapters in their lives and thanked them most sincerely for their contributions to the life of the College. May they take the Marist spirit and charism with them and continue St Marcellin’s mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved.  

Before mentioning staff who are leaving, I acknowledged two teachers who will be on leave in 2023. Mr Kelly will be taking a year's personal leave, and it is with much excitement that Mrs Purton is taking 12 months' maternity leave as she becomes a mother for the first time. We wish Mr Kelly and Mrs Purton all the best next year.

Father Laurie Timms OCarm

Father Laurie has been an integral part of the Saints family for more than 12 years. Cairns seemed very far away from Brisbane, where he was a parish priest, but Br Michael convinced him to give it a go. True to the Saints spirit, he gave it a red-hot go, and the rest is history. 

He’s well-liked and respected here at Saints and we shall miss him dearly. You don’t have to go far to get a feel for how the community values him. When asked to describe Father Laurie, comments such as these were made:  “he’s funny”; “he’s a priest but he likes camping”; “he’s good at building fires, but not sure about the damper cooking”; ”he always makes the effort to come and see us”; “he makes us a priority by attending camps and retreats”; “he’s easy going and easy to talk to”; “he’s very Marist (even though he’s a Carmelite) because he gives so much of his life to others”; “we’ll miss him” and “he gives a good homily”. We couldn’t have asked for a more genuine and authentic person to be our spiritual guide, and we wish him good health and happiness in his retirement. Thank you for everything you have done for our community over these last 12 years!

Harry Austin

As a gap student this year, Mr Austin has filled the position admirably and has contributed significantly to the Junior Boys Boarding program. His professional and caring demeanour has earned him the respect of all staff and students, and the boarders have been very fortunate to have had a strong role model. Mr Austin has filled many roles in the College, including supervision, tutoring, sports coaching and general boarding duties. He has carried out all these tasks with a "can do" and positive attitude at all times. Mr Austin will return to Canberra on Sunday and will start a medical science degree next year.

Johnny Brennan

Mr Brennan also made his way to Cairns from Canberra this year, and the College has benefitted from his decision to spend a gap year in FNQ. He has developed a wonderful rapport with all boarders, through his friendly and helpful demeanour. It was never uncommon to see Mr Brennan just walking around the Middle School Residence, even when not working, talking to the boys and taking a genuine interest in them. He was also able to combine his boarding work with playing senior level, A-grade AFL for Saints, where he was a pivotal player. Mr Brennan will return to Canberra shortly, continue his AFL career, while starting a commerce degree next year. 

Brianna Williams

Ms Williams answered a last-minute call to come to Cairns in late January, and has been a very popular boarding staff member, particularly within the girls boarding program. With a very friendly and sincere disposition, Ms William won the girls over instantly and was always there for them. This was most obvious in the residences, where the girls would come and have lengthy chats to her about life in general. Ms Williams was always willing to do extra shifts to help out staff, and also assisted in the student office in Term 4. The girls will be upset to see Ms Williams leave next week, however, they will always remember her caring and friendly personality that she displayed each day. We wish her all the best as she begins her speech pathology degree in Canberra next year. 

Mrs Megan Henriksen 

Mrs Henriksen was appointed to the vital position of enrolments officer this year, a role that she carried out with the utmost diligence and innovation. During her short time, Mrs Henriksen has had a profound influence on the rising enrolments in the day school and in boarding. She has been the face of the College for our new families, and we thank her for her efficiency, hard work and professionalism. We wish her all the best in her new role at Council. 

Jamaal Sugars

Mr Sugars has been at St Augustine’s for one year. In his short time here, he has made a lasting impression on the students with his extensive knowledge, professionalism and innovation in the classroom. He has also given  generously of his time through his involvement in the Maths tutorial program. Mr Sugars leaves St Augustine’s to return to St Joseph’s Nudgee in Brisbane where his partner will continue her studies.

Kieren Lis

Mr Lis commenced at the College in 2021 as a graduate teacher having impressed in his fourth year placement at St Augustine’s the previous year. In his short time at the College, he has fully involved himself in sport and many of the camps and retreats. He has developed a strong relationship with his students who have appreciated his genuine care and concern for their development and progress. We wish him all the best in his move to Perth to be closer to his partner.

Stephen Calvert

Mr Calvert commenced at the College in 2018 as a casual helper in the Learning Enrichment Department. Throughout his time at the College, he became immersed in dedicating himself to the Marist way of educating boys. He always took a strong interest in helping students in a wide range of classes, running literacy classes and tutoring in boarding.  Mr Calvert has developed strong relationships with students who value his care and concern for their development and progress. We wish Stephen all the best in his move back home to Melbourne and will miss his positive contributions in Learning Enrichment.

Celeste Miller

Ms Miller has been a valued member of the Learning Enrichment Department since 2018.  In her five years at the College, she has offered a calm, dedicated and highly skilled presence supporting boys in a range of classes. She has helped students develop their reading skills in her literacy classes and regularly followed up on their learning. Ms Miller has enjoyed strong relationships with students who appreciated her commitment to their learning and wellbeing. Her strong work ethic and collegiality will be missed by Learning Enrichment and the broader teaching staff.  We wish Ms Miller all the best in her move to Newman College as the new Indigenous Liaison and Learning Support Officer in 2023.

Richard Steele

As Head of Geaney Residence, Mr Steele has successfully transitioned our youngest students into boarding and high school for the last five years. Mr Steele has led positive change and the ongoing enhancement of the boarding program and its operations. Mr Steele’s thoughtful disposition and his willingness to do whatever is required for the young people in his care has been evident and appreciated.

Paul Little

Mr Paul Little has been an integral part of the Technology Department for the past 12 years. His passion and expertise in engineering has been a wonderful asset to the College, and he has engaged many students in the technology field while here. His involvement in camps and school trips has also contributed to the holistic development of the young people in his care. Mr Little has decide to retire following some long-service leave in 2023. We wish him all the best in the future.

Chris Wright

Having dedicated 20 years to St Augustine’s and Marist education, Mr Chris Wright has decided to retire. Employed as Head of English at a time when the College was facing many challenges, Mr Wright was charged with reinvigorating the academic culture of St Augustine’s.  He was the driving force behind Queensland Core Skills  practices, creating challenging and contemporary learning opportunities and enhancing school-wide pedagogy. The benefits of the changes initiated at this time are still being felt. Since then, he has held various positions including Head of e-Learning and Director of the Gildas Centre (library). Mr Wright lives the Marist charism. He has often gone above and beyond, demonstrating love of work consistently with thorough and creative lesson preparation and student feedback. He has always been present for his students as he placed them before his own needs. His dedication to St Augustine’s and our students exemplified his family spirit. 

Chris Chapman

Mr Chris Chapman commenced employment at the College in 1985 as a Geography and Economics teacher. Since then he has held various positions including Careers Advisor, Head of Year 12, Deputy Principal - Welfare and Pastoral Care, Director of Staff and finally Director of Administration. Chris has lived out the Marist charism in his tireless work, with simplicity, in most cases quietly behind the scenes without seeking any acknowledgement. Mr Chapman has an immense love of work, and after teaching part time for the last five years, has decided to retire following some well-earned long-service leave in 2023. The College will be a different place without him. We thank Mr Chapman for his 37 years of dedicated service to St Augustine’s and Marist education and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Click on the image below to view our last assembly for the year.